Prevention of post liver transplant HBV recurrence.

BACKGROUND

Twenty years ago, liver transplantation for hepatitis B had been a relative contraindication to universal HBV recurrence and poor outcomes. Over the ensuing two decades, there has been refinement of prevention strategies in order to minimize HBV recurrence in the allograft.

RESULTS

Currently, the most efficacious and cost-effective strategies include newer oral antiviral drugs in combination with low doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG). More recently, strategies have been successful in withdrawing HBIG and newer approaches of HBIG avoidance are currently under development.

CONCLUSION

Thus, 20 years afterward, HBV recurrence is <5% and outcomes following liver transplantation are excellent.